Anyone out there with the same problem? I went into a LBS looking for a tribike and was told I’d have a hard time fitting it because of my legs are short but my torso is long. Any suggestions?
I’m so bummed… tell me there’s hope… or send me some Guinness.
Slowman will being doing a review on your body type in his front page giude.
What specificaly did the shop say and what did they ultimately recommend?
Any measurements you care to share? Keau
Same problem here. I ride a 54 road bike and when I went out to get a tribike, the LBS tried fitting me on a 51. No go. Don't worry about the stand over height. I BARELY clear my 54cm top tube but the reach is perfect. Reach is more important than standover height since how often do you stand over your bike compared to being on the saddle?
Basically when you go in to check for bike fit, get the size that fits your torso. This should work unless you get the integrated seatpost like Trek’s Equinox line which can only drop the seatpost to a limit(then you’ll have a leg reach problem).
Edit: Forgot to add that this has worked for me, might not work for others. =P had to add that disclaimer
5’5 and about 28" inseam (I think). No measurements taken. LBS guy suggested a variety of bikes, but all were in the XS size. He also said he might have seen a couple of 2006 B2 frames on clearance and was going to check on it for me. I have a $2000 budget.
Thanks for the heads up on the review!
I’m 5’-9" and have a 29" inseam (pants inseam that is). I have a Cervelo P2 SL and it fits like a glove. It’s a 54cm frame and you know they have smaller sizes. I’m not a bike fitter by any measure of the term but my legs are only 1" longer than yours. I’ve got to believe that a good fitter will be able to put you on a bike.
Based on the info you’ve provided, your height to inseam ratio is: 2.32 My height to inseam ratio is 2.38 so I’m slightly more ‘short legged - long torso’ than you. Or course this doesn’t take into account actual torso length - one of use may have a longer neck or bigger head.
I did learn that certain manufacturers are better for ‘us’ than others so you may consider checking out a couple of shops that carry different brands but you should definitely look at Cervelo. Felt may be a good option as well.
Uh, not wanting to be rude, but at 5’5", you can’t be too long-torsoed. Your inseam sounds in line with that height; sounds more like your LBS just didn’t have any small bikes.
similar issues here - 5’8" w/29’ inseam. Just finished my first week on Giant’s new Trinity Alliance. Small size fits me great. Loving the bike, Was on a “better” Orbea Ordu, but could not get fit dialed in. Like the Giant much better due to fit. Ought to be a lbs in your area that carries Giant.
Good Luck!
I have this exact problem. May I recommend getting a custom built bike such as Guru to fit you. I have had one built for me and it was amazing. Now I just ride stock sizes and suck it up as I am not competative, heck I hardly even have time to ride. It’s also easier for me to sell a stock bike over one with a 54 seat tube and a 57.5 top tube.
Bump for the read at work crowd. Thanks for the advice!